Thanks to all of you who refuse to eat animals this holiday season..
For some of you, this is the first time. What you’re doing takes extraordinary courage.
I still remember Christmas 2004, the first time I refused to eat my grandfather’s delicious (yes, I admit it) home-slaughtered duck roast..
It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
It didn’t help that my sweet grandparents didn’t understand my ethical reasons and took it personally that I rejected their traditional meal.
I had caused sadness and disappointment on Christmas Eve, even though I only wanted peace for both people and animals.
It’s seen as antisocial and alienating when not everyone at the table shares the exact same meal, and since omnivores often hold the majority, it’s the animal rights advocate who stands out as the rebellious one.
But you should know it gets easier for your family each year you stick to your conviction.
Few can avoid eventually respecting the steadfastness that shows itself consistently over the years.
And every year more truths emerge about the unspeakable horrors and crimes committed daily by animal agriculture, truths even the most stubborn can’t avoid hearing in the news.
Each year we come closer to the vegan future.
The first Christmas as a veganer is tough.
It takes admirable calm and strength to sit at a table with the carcasses and bodily discharges of multiple animal species and still keep Christmas peace with your loved ones.
That part hasn’t gotten much easier for me. Instead, every Christmas it saddens me that another year has passed while those I care about still choose to indulge and satisfy themselves at others’ expense.
Even though most Danes know better now, and after 19 years of eating a delicious green Christmas menu and proving nothing’s missing.
By staying firm, we help create new, more sustainable and compassionate Christmas traditions.
No matter how traditional you are, it doesn’t ethically justify killing others for a fleeting sensory experience, and more people are being confronted with this reality this Christmas by sitting at the table with someone who refuses to participate in that practice.
Your choice makes a huge difference.
Christmas is simply best when it’s not celebrated at others’ expense.
Merry green Christmas to all new veganers, seasoned veganers, and everyone on the verge of taking the leap into a more compassionate and climate-friendly world.
You are strong, and you are important.
Merry Christmas to all animal rights advocates <3
This blog post was written by Lisa Salversen - Senior District Coordinator, DA Aarhus local chapters.